Portland State University

Overview

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university founded in Portand, Oregon, originally intended for military veterans of the Second World War. Established in 1946, it would evolve into a four-year college until it was chartered as a university in 1969.

Today, it offers undergraduate and graduate studies in about 170 fields, including business administration, arts, engineering and computer science. PSU is the only public university located in a metropolitan city in Oregon. Its main campus lies on a 50-acre zone of downtown Portland.

In June 1946, a Portland native, Stephen Epler, founded the Vanport Extension Center to provide higher learning programs to returning WW2 veterans, following the passage of the G.I. Bill. The bill sought to provide high school, college and vocational education to war veterans and a one-year unemployment aid. The center would be renamed Portland State Extension Center in 1952, until its current name was approved in 1955, establishing it as a university.

Notable alumni include experts in the fields of academics, literature, business and politics. These include Francisco Laguna Correa (writer), Deborah J. Ross (novelist), Norm Winningstad (businessman and engineer), Judi Hofer (CEO, The May Department Stores Company) and Barbar Roberts (governor, Oregon).

Today, the university covers bachelor’s degrees in over 120 fields through its colleges and schools. These include the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Education, Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, School of Business Administration, School of Social Work and University Honors College.

The university continues to add more doctoral programs to its roster, namely, in the fields of mathematics, chemistry, computer science, engineering & technology management, mechanical engineering, applied physics, applied psychology and sociology.

PSU also offers continuing education and special learning programs, such as distance-learning courses, degree-completion programs, noncredit community programs, re-licensure and certifications.

Furthermore, as a research institute, PSU contains millions of volumes of library materials including print subscriptions, e-books, microforms, federal documents, maps and audio-visual materials. Its Branford Price Millar Library, a six-story building located in the main campus, houses 1.4 million volumes of works, several computer laboratories and viewing rooms.

PSU ranks among the top universities for its sustainability and green initiatives. It won a Gold STARS Rating for Sustainability and it ranks among the top green schools in a Princeton Review report. It also plays host to several public art pieces from local and international artists.

You can also learn more about the educational performance of Portland State University in our ranking of US universities & colleges.